Banh Cuon is a popular Vietnamese dish consisting of delicate steamed rice rolls filled with a savory mixture of minced pork and wood ear mushrooms. These rolls are typically served with a flavorful dipping sauce, creating a delicious combination of textures and flavors.

The history of Banh Cuon dates back centuries in Vietnamese culinary tradition. Originating in northern Vietnam, Banh Cuon is believed to have been influenced by Chinese culinary techniques, particularly those used in making rice noodles and dumplings. Over time, it has evolved into a distinct Vietnamese dish enjoyed throughout the country and beyond.

The preparation of Banh Cuon involves skillful techniques to create thin, translucent rice sheets that encase the savory filling. The filling often includes minced pork seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, along with wood ear mushrooms that add a delightful chewiness to the rolls.

Banh Cuon is commonly enjoyed as a breakfast or snack dish, appreciated for its light yet satisfying qualities. Its popularity has led to various regional variations and creative interpretations, making it a versatile and beloved part of Vietnamese cuisine.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup rice flour

- 1 1/2 cups water

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for color)

- 1/2 cup minced pork

- 1/2 cup soaked and chopped wood ear mushrooms

- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Fresh herbs (like cilantro or mint) for garnish

- Dipping sauce (such as nuoc cham) for serving

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, water, salt, and turmeric powder (if using). Mix well to form a smooth batter. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.

2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Brush the pan with a little oil.

3. Pour a thin layer of the rice flour batter onto the pan, swirling it to coat the bottom evenly. Cover and cook for about 2 minutes until the rice sheet is set.

4. Carefully remove the rice sheet from the pan and place it on a plate.

5. In the same pan, heat the remaining oil and sauté onions until translucent. Add minced pork and chopped mushrooms. Cook until the pork is fully cooked and the mushrooms are tender. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Place a spoonful of the pork and mushroom filling onto the center of each rice sheet. Fold the edges to form a roll.

7. Repeat the process with the remaining batter and filling.

8. Serve Banh Cuon warm, garnished with fresh herbs, and accompanied by dipping sauce on the side.

Nutrition Value:

1. 1 cup rice flour:

  - Calories: Approximately 578 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Around 126 grams

  - Protein: About 8 grams

  - Fat: Around 1 gram

  - Sodium: Minimal (less than 10 mg)

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins, especially niacin (B3)

  - Minerals: Includes iron, magnesium, and phosphorus

  - Nutritional benefit: Rice flour is gluten-free and a good source of carbohydrates, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. It provides energy and some essential nutrients.

2. 1 1/2 cups water:

  - Calories: None

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: None

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: None

  - Nutritional benefit: Water is essential for hydration and does not contribute any calories or nutrients.

3. 1/4 teaspoon salt:

  - Calories: None

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: Varies based on type and brand; typically around 500-600 mg per teaspoon

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: Contains sodium

  - Nutritional benefit: Salt enhances flavor but should be used in moderation due to its sodium content.

4. 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for color):

  - Calories: Approximately 8 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Around 1.7 grams

  - Protein: About 0.2 grams

  - Fat: Around 0.2 grams

  - Sodium: Minimal (less than 1 mg)

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains significant amounts of vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K

  - Minerals: Includes iron, potassium, and manganese

  - Nutritional benefit: Turmeric powder adds color and flavor to the dish and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

5. 1/2 cup minced pork:

  - Calories: Approximately 376 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: About 36 grams

  - Fat: Around 25 grams

  - Sodium: Varies based on preparation and seasoning; typically around 60-80 mg

  - Cholesterol: Around 125 mg

  - Vitamins: Contains B vitamins, especially B12 and niacin (B3)

  - Minerals: Includes iron, zinc, and selenium

  - Nutritional benefit: Pork is a good source of protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc. It provides energy and supports muscle health.

6. 1/2 cup soaked and chopped wood ear mushrooms:

  - Calories: Approximately 15 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 3 grams

  - Protein: Around 1 gram

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: Minimal (less than 1 mg)

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and small amounts of vitamin C

  - Minerals: Includes iron, magnesium, and potassium

  - Nutritional benefit: Wood ear mushrooms are low in calories and fat, rich in fiber, and offer various vitamins and minerals, especially B vitamins and iron.

7. 1/4 cup finely chopped onions:

  - Calories: Approximately 16 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: About 4 grams

  - Protein: Around 0.3 grams

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: Minimal (less than 1 mg)

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C and small amounts of B vitamins

  - Minerals: Includes potassium, phosphorus, and trace amounts of calcium and iron

  - Nutritional benefit: Onions add flavor and provide some vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and potassium.

8. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil:

  - Calories: Approximately 240 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: Around 28 grams

  - Sodium: None

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin E

  - Minerals: None

  - Nutritional benefit: Vegetable oil provides energy and is a source of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that supports skin health.

9. Salt and pepper to taste:

  - Calories: None

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: Varies based on amount used

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: None

  - Nutritional benefit: Adds flavor to the dish but should be used in moderation due to sodium content.

10. Fresh herbs (like cilantro or mint) for garnish:

  - Calories: Varies (negligible)

  - Carbohydrates: Varies (negligible)

  - Protein: Varies (negligible)

  - Fat: Varies (negligible)

  - Sodium: Varies (negligible)

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C and other antioxidants depending on the herb

  - Minerals: Includes small amounts of various minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium

  - Nutritional benefit: Fresh herbs add flavor, aroma, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals to the dish.

11. Dipping sauce (such as nuoc cham) for serving:

  - Calories: Approximately 15-20 kcal per tablespoon (varies based on recipe)

  - Carbohydrates: About 3-4 grams per tablespoon

  - Protein: Around 0.5 grams per tablespoon

  - Fat: Around 0 grams per tablespoon

  - Sodium: Varies based on ingredients; typically around 300-500 mg per tablespoon

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C and small amounts of B vitamins depending on ingredients

  - Minerals: Includes sodium, potassium, and trace minerals depending on ingredients

  - Nutritional benefit: Dipping sauce adds flavor and complements the dish, providing some vitamins and minerals depending on its ingredients.